Overview

This degree provides you with an understanding of how human rights apply in various political, social, economic and environmental contexts. You will develop critical skills in the effective use of human rights tools and language to achieve specific changes in the world while gaining skills to apply to real situations and create workable solutions.

Obtain vital knowledge of international and regional human rights systems and investigate areas including sociology and social policy, political science and political economy, philosophy, history and human geography. This degree has a global outlook and explores domestic policy and legal issues in the context of the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on Australia's geopolitical position.

Why study with us?

This program combines social, scientific and legal approaches to the study of human rights and provides a holistic perspective on human rights and social change. The course addresses human rights violations at the local, national, regional and global levels.

You will have the opportunity to undertake independent scholarly research on current human rights issues and participate in an internship within an Australian or international human rights organisation.

Specialisations

Entry, fees, funding & how to apply

Depends on your qualification, citizenship status

I would like to start study in

I am

The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.

What you'll study

a maximum of 24 credit points from elective units of study. With the permission of the Degree Coordinator a maximum of 12 credit points can be taken as elective units from units of study outside those listed in the Human Rights subject area of the Postgraduate Unit of Study Table, including units of study from other faculties.

Completion requirement

Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.

Admission requirement

Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Human Rights requires:

a bachelor's degree with a minimum 60% average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, including a major in a relevant subject area in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification; or

a Bachelor of Laws degree with a minimum 60% average calculated over the whole degree, or an equivalent qualification; or

completion of the Graduate Certificate in Human Rights with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.

Course opportunities

You will have the opportunity to undertake independent scholarly research on current human rights issues and participate in an internship within an Australian or international human rights organisation.

Graduate opportunities

The Human Rights program may lead you to a career within non-government agencies and the United Nations, roles in international human rights and development agencies as well as federal and state government roles. Graduates can also find employment in print and visual media (journalism, radio and reporting) where a human rights specialisation is required.

Future study options

Domestic students

Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount

The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol.
For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.

Annual review and fee increases

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.

Annual review and fee increase

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental costs

For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.

International students

Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students

The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.

Annual review and fee increases

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental costs and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.